Saint Kitts & Nevis Travel Guide

Useful Tips

Everything you need to know before you fly to Saint Kitts & Nevis 

Average Trip Cost

NA

When To Go

December to May

Official Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Ideal Length Of Stay

7 to 14 days

About Saint Kitts & Nevis

Saint Kitts & Nevis is a two-island federation in the northern part of the leeward islands.  Among some of the first islands to be settled in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts & Nevis is a historical base like no other as it was home to the first English and French colonies in the Caribbean and was aptly named The Mother Colony of the West Indies.  Before the European colonization, the Arawak and Taino people populated the two islands for centuries.

Saint Kitts has the most stunning attraction on its island.  The Scenic Railway takes you around the island, over bridges, and through lush greenery.  Originally built to transport sugar cane to and from plantations and factories, this provides the perfect way to see the island’s natural unspoiled beauty.  This, the last railway in the West Indies, is a must-see.

Enjoy sandy beaches, hike the rugged terrain, explore the expanding rainforest – there’s so much to do and see on Saint Kitts & Nevis.  Exceptional diving replete with preserved coral reefs and historical shipwrecks, plentiful fishing, and snorkeling to rival larger reefs can be found on this refreshingly natural island.  Golfers agree that Saint Kitts has incredible courses, and the island is considered a must-see for that alone. 

Nevis also has many things to entice interested travelers.  Hike to Nevis Peak and enjoy the chatter of the monkeys in the trees as you make your way.  Explore the ruins of sugar estates, snorkel, and scuba dive to view the wonder of the undersea world.  Enjoy cricket or golf, shop in Charlestown, and view beautiful West Indian architecture.  The home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, has been turned into a museum.  He was born and spent his childhood on Nevis.  

Nevis is also known for its spas and luxurious pampering.   Understanding that vacation is for relaxing, the spas on Nevis will make you feel like you are in the lap of luxury.  Looking out at the turquoise water and beautiful flowers while feeling gentle hands on your back as you get an invigorating massage, it will be easy to believe.

Enjoy beaches on Nevis and an exciting nightlife.  Be as active as you want to be.  Days spent listening to the surf roll in, and lap against the shore can be as cathartic as a night on the town.

Saint Kitts and Nevis offer much to travelers, from physically active treks to local shopping and nightlife.  The food is top-notch, the atmosphere is unique, and there is something different to see and do every day.  Explore St. Kitts and Nevis and see what the world used to be – what it could be.

Where To Stay In Saint Kitts & Nevis

Visitors to Saint Kitts & Nevis stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxury hotels.  Some of the best hotels in Saint Kitts & Nevis include: 

Saint Kitts:

  • Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
  • Belle Mont Farm
  • Koi Resort Saint Kitts
  • Royal St. Kitts Hotel 
  • St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
  • Sugar Bay Club Suites & Hotel
  • Timothy Beach Resort

Nevis:

  • Montpelier Plantation & Beach
  • Golden Rock Inn
  • Four Seasons Resort Nevis 
  • The Hermitage Inn
  • Nisbet Plantation Beach Resort 
  • Paradise Beach 
  • Oualie Beach Resort

Activities In Saint Kitts & Nevis

Major tourist activities in Saint Kitts & Nevis include:

  • Exploring the historic capital city of Basseterre, including a visit to The National Museum
  • Touring the island via the St Kitts Scenic Railway train initially used to transport sugar cane from the fields to the sugar factory
  • Visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
  • Shopping at Caribelle Batik located at Romney Manor, a historic plantation
  • Swim and relax and one of the beautiful white-sand beaches including Pinney’s Beach
  • Checking out the beautiful flowers and fauna at Botanical Garden of Nevis 
  • Dipping into the Nevis Hot Springs 
  • Hiking to the 3,232 feet to the top of Nevis Peak, an active volcano

Facts About Saint Kitts & Nevis

Size:

Saint Kitts: 68 square miles and Nevis: 36 square miles

Population:

Saint Kitts: 39,000 & Nevis: 11,500

Official Language:

English

Demonym:

Kittitian and Nevisian

Capital City:

Saint Kitts: Basseterre and Nevis: Charlestown

Government:

Parliamentary Democracy under British Federal Constitutional Monarchy

Telephone Country Code:

869

Driving:

left side of the road

Local Beer:

Carib

National Dish:

Stewed saltfish with spicy plantains, coconut dumplings, and seasoned breadfruit  

Main Airport:

Saint Kitts: Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw Airport and Nevis: Vance W Amory International Airport

Electricity:

230 V/60 Hz –  plugs are UK standard three-prong

Visa Information For Saint Kitts & Nevis

All visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis need to have a valid passport to enter the island and an onward or return ticket.  Visas are not required for citizens of North America and most European Union countries.  Visitors can stay for up to 6 months.  If you want to stay longer on Saint Kitts and Nevis, you will have to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Charlestown.  

How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Saint Kitts & Nevis

With a valid passport and supporting documents, it typically takes 15 to 20 business days for a visa application to be processed by the nearest Saint Kitts & Nevis Embassy or High Commission.

Is It Safe In Saint Kitts & Nevis

Saint Kitts & Nevis is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Crime levels in Saint Kitts & Nevis is extremely low, but visitors should take sensible precautions to secure their possessions.



How To Get To Saint Kitts & Nevis

Most visitors to Saint Kitts & Nevis arrive via the Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (IATA: SKB, ICAO: TKPK), formerly known as Golden Rock Airport. The airport is located in Saint Kitts to the northeast of Basseterre.

From Canada, book flights to Saint Kitts & Nevis via:

  • Air Canada Rouge (Seasonal): Toronto–Pearson

From the United States, book flights to Saint Kitts & Nevis via:

  • American Airlines: Miami (Seasonal: Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York–JFK)
  • Delta Air Lines (Seasonal): Atlanta, New York–JFK
  • United Airlines (Seasonal): Newark

From the United Kingdom, book flights to Saint Kitts & Nevis via:

  • British Airways: Antigua, London-Gatwick

Within the Caribbean region, book flights to Saint Kitts & Nevis via:

  • Air Sunshine: Anguilla, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, San Juan, Tortola
  • British Airways: Antigua
  • Seaborne Airlines: San Juan
  • Sky High: Santo Domingo-Las Americas 
  • Trans Anguilla Airways: Anguilla, Antigua, Saint Eustatius

Nevis also has an airport, the Vance W. Amory International Airport (IATA: NEV, ICAO: TKPN), but only regional carrier operates from this airport located just west of the village Newcastle.

Within the Caribbean, book flights to Nevis via:

  • Air Sunshine: Saint Croix, Saint Kitts, Saint Thomas, San Juan, Tortola
  • Anguilla Air Services (Charter): Anguilla, Saint Kitts
  • Cape Air: San Juan
  • Coastal Air: Dominica–Canefield, Saint Croix
  • St Barth Commuter (Charter): Saint Barthélemy
  • Trans Anguilla Airways: Anguilla

Note: To get from Saint Kitts to Nevis, in addition to flying, visitors can also take a 45-minute ferry ride from Basseterre to Charlestown.  They can also take a 10-minute water taxi from Reggae Beach Pier at Cockleshell Bay in Saint Kitts to Oualie Beach in Nevis.  

When To Go To Saint Kitts & Nevis

The most popular time to visit Saint Kitts & Nevis is from mid-December to mid-April when the weather is warm, sunny, and typically dry.  From August to late October is the low season as temperatures are hot and muggy; also, there is an increased risk of tropical storms.  Some hotels close for renovations during this period, and others offer discounts 

Major events attracting visitors to Saint Kitts & Nevis include:

  • March: Nevis to St Kitts Cross-Channel Swim
  • June: Saint Kitts Music Festival 
  • July: Nevis Mango Festival 
  • St. Kitts & Nevis Restaurant Week
  • July/August: Culturama 
  • December/January: Saint Kitts & Nevis National Carnival 

Weather In Saint Kitts & Nevis

The weather in Saint Kitts & Nevis is warm year-round.  The temperature stays in the 80°F all year and is cooled by trade winds.  The wet season is May through October, intersecting with hurricane season.  

Getting Married In Saint Kitts & Nevis

Marriage Requirements:

Couples wishing to get married in Saint Kitts & Nevis will need to obtain a Marriage License Application form from the Legal Department, Government Headquarters. This will then need to be completed in the federation and signed in the presence of a Justice the Peace.  

Documents Required

In addition to the completed application for marriage, both the bride and groom will need their:

  • passports 
  • birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
  • certificates of no impediment or single status report

Also, if applicable: 

  • divorce papers i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse
  • proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor
  • proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor

NOTE:  If documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized translation. 

Residency Requirement:

None

Fees:

The fees associated with getting married in St. Kitts & Nevis include:

  • Marriage Application: US$20
  • Stamps (Marriage Licenses): US$80
  • Affidavit:  US$20
  • Justice of Peace & Marriage Office: US$100 – US$200

Witnesses: 

Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.  

Marriage Procedure:

If the ceremony is to be performed by a Catholic Priest, it must take place in a Catholic Church, and a letter must come from the couple’s resident priest verifying that they are unmarried and have received necessary instructions.  If an Anglican priest or another minister of religion is to perform the ceremony, a letter must come from the couple’s resident minister verifying that they are known and unmarried. 

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